There is a very interesting op-ed piece in the NY Times where David Brooks discusses Obama's greatness...more below the fold.
In his piece Brooks states:
Some candidates are motivated by something they lack. [Examples.]
But other candidates are propelled by what some psychologists call self-efficacy, the placid assumption that they can handle whatever the future throws at them. Candidates in this mold, most heroically F.D.R. and Ronald Reagan, are driven upward by a desire to realize some capacity in their nature. They rise with an unshakable serenity that is inexplicable to their critics and infuriating to their foes.
He goes on to concede not only that Obama will be President (by implication) but that he has the makings of being a great President...
And it is easy to sketch out a scenario in which he could be a great president. He would be untroubled by self-destructive demons or indiscipline. With that cool manner, he would see reality unfiltered. He could gather — already has gathered — some of the smartest minds in public policy, and, untroubled by intellectual insecurity, he could give them free rein. Though he is young, it is easy to imagine him at the cabinet table, leading a subtle discussion of some long-term problem.
This is not a mere grudging admission of defeat - it is a declaration of hope and inspiration by a respected conservative pundit. We still have deal with the wingnuts - but I have to say that I am encouraged. The conservative intelligensia is beginning to "get it" - that this transcends ideology and that Obama is tinged with greatness - and perhaps some of the rabble will follow.
Oh...and please don't excoriate me by assuming that that because I posted this I share his assessment of Reagan...far from it.